State Taxes flying squad cracks down on tax evaders in Pulwama

Pulwama, Jan 04: A flying squad of State Taxes Department Jammu and Kashmir carried out unannounced surprise checks in various areas of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.
The flying squad was led by Sammer Naik, Deputy Commissioner Appeals-II, Kashmir, under directives of Dr. Rashmi Singh, Commissioner State Taxes Department Jammu and Kashmir.
Sarfaraz Ahmad, State Tax Officer Shopian and Flying Squad Member Shopian and Pulwama, informed Rising Kashmir that they inspected a range of establishments in the main town of the district and industrial growth centre in Lassipora.
“The establishments inspected include coaching institutes, industrial units, medical shops, copper utensil shops, general stores, and textile shops,” he said, adding that the primary objective was to ensure compliance with the GST( Goods and Services Tax) Act and identify any instances of tax evasion.
The officer informed that the inspection involved a thorough examination of invoices, QR codes, bank accounts, electricity bills, sale and purchase invoices, and return filings.
“The squad uncovered a few unregistered businesses during the process”, he said, adding that they were instructed to register as soon as possible.
The officials revealed that for assessing the threshold limit of these establishments, the squad obtained bank account statements, which were documented and handed over to jurisdictional officers.
“This information will be crucial in initiating proceedings under Section 63 of the GST Act against any dealers found to be in violation,” they said.
The State Taxes Officer said that the drive has been going on in the twin districts of South Kashmir since 27 of December,2023 and vowed to intensify the drive in coming days.
“The initiative has been taken to ensure tax compliance and curb any unlawful practices in business establishments within the region,” the officials said.
The officials said that to evade taxes people use different tactics like non issuance of invoices, conceited purchase, non insertion of assets in their registrations and other similar methods.
Officials highlighted that the ongoing drive has already made an impact, sending a message to the community.
“Numerous establishments have started complying by registering themselves, fostering an environment conducive to honest and transparent business transactions,” they said.